Nov. 19, 2007 — St. John's shopping opportunities will soon expand to shopping for a good cause. The Friends of the V.I. National Park opens its new store Friday, located streetside at Mongoose Junction shopping center where the Canvas Factory recently operated.
Friends program manager Kristin Maize called it "a museum quality gift shop."
The store officially opens Friday in conjunction with the annual Mongoose Junction shopping center Evening in the Courtyard event, but Maize said the store will be open all week with variable hours. The Evening in the Courtyard runs from 6 to 9 p.m.
As with all Friends activities, the proceeds will go to fund Friends programs that help the park.
The Friends hired eight-year St. John resident Angie Gorneau to run the store. She used her experience as manager of Zozo's Ristorante and as a vacation villa manager to segue into her new post.
"I'm really excited to find a project where I'm giving back," she said. Gorneau said she's also delighted to promote products made from recycled and reused materials.
Items that have found a second life include the Friends' colorful license plates — remade into photo albums and purses.
"That's going to be the most coveted purse on St. John," St. John resident Kate Campbell said.
Campbell, who previously owned the Pink Papaya gift shop, was hired by the Friends to guide them in opening the store.
The inventory also includes T-shirts, hats, key chains, and many items crafted right on St. John and around the world. Products made at Maho Bay Camps from recycled glass and textiles also will be on the shelves.
Maize said the store will sell maps, DVDs, note cards, and educational items for children.
While Gorneau will keep the store running, Maize said Friends volunteers will help staff it.
"Who better knows the park than volunteers?" she said.
The store also will serve as a place to promote the group and its events. The Friends office is located in the upper reaches of Mongoose Junction at a location that's up many stairs and hard to find.
"We'll be more visible," Maize said.
The location is also in sight of the park's Visitor's Center and just a few yards from a park hiking trail.
The store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Call 779-8700.
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